For the 28th year, our Phoenix Police officers will be supporting Special Olympics Arizona, starting off with the National Tip-A-Cop fundraiser at “Claim Jumpers”. The Phoenix Police Department is annually one of the top 5 police agencies in the state for raising funds to support Special Olympics Arizona and we intend to keep it going!

On Thursday, April 3rd, 2014 officers, detectives, and sergeants will exchange their police garb for aprons and join with Special Olympics athletes to raise money for the Special Olympics Arizona. Once again Claim Jumpers Restaurants (nationally) have generously offered their business in support of the Special Olympics. Together we will be bussing tables and working our fingers to the bone from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the “Claim Jumpers” at 3063 W. Agua Fria Freeway (N. 31st. Av. and the Loop 101, just south). 

Not only will we have Special Olympics athletes working side by side with our Tip-A-Cop crew, but a K-9 Officer and his partner and a Detective with her “comfort dog” will meet you at the door, a Motor Officer and his motorcycle will be located inside the restaurant for photographs, McGruff will visit you at your table, and a DJ will be on hand to play, or sing any musical requests you may have, for a small donation of course.  So come on out and enjoy an evening with us.  All tips raised by the Tip-A-Cop Officers will be donated to Special Olympics Arizona.

A little history: In 1962, Eunice Kennedy Shriver began a summer day camp at her home in Maryland for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.  This camp was designed to allow these special individuals a chance to explore their capabilities in a variety of sports and physical activities. The idea quickly took off, and in 1968 the first International Special Olympics took place at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL, with 1,000 athletes from the US and Canada competing in Track & Field and Swimming. 

In 1975, the hard work and good will of Mrs. Shriver’s efforts reached Arizona.  The first Special Olympics Arizona competition consisted of a one-day Track & Field event with 100 athletes and 20 volunteers.  Today, Special Olympics Arizona offers 25 sports, 127 programs in 6 regional areas, and five statewide competitions for the over 12,964 athletes and 11,000 volunteers on an annual basis.

Thanks for your continuing support of our department, Special Olympics Arizona and the Law Enforcement Torch Run.